"Snack yourself smart light" - Workshops set an example against racism

The "Snack dich schlau light" event on 23 April raised awareness of racism, anti-Semitism and anti-Muslim racism among a total of 35 pupils from school-without-racism groups. In two interactive workshops at LernWerk, the participants explored different forms of discrimination - using all their senses.

Groups of pupils from Hohe-Giethorst-Schule and Georgsgymnasium worked together on personal and social issues. The focus was on both their own experiences of discrimination - as an affected or observing person - as well as a conscious exchange about prejudices and how to overcome them. A clear distinction was made from political and migration-related debates in order to focus on interpersonal perspectives.

Shared exchange

The high and emotional participation as well as the great interest shown by the pupils illustrate the need for further programmes of this kind. The desire was expressed several times to create more spaces for dialogue about personal experiences of discrimination in everyday school life - especially from the perspective of those affected.

In the workshops, it became clear how important it is to make different perceptions and experiences visible and to address them sensitively. Some contributions drew attention to the fact that dealing with discriminatory situations in the school context is experienced differently. This results in the need to continuously develop existing approaches to sensitisation and support.

Constructive suggestions

In addition to a lot of positive feedback, there were also indications that there is not always sufficient confidence in dealing with discriminatory comments in everyday school life. These comments were constructively addressed during the event and seen as impulses for future measures.

The event emphasised the importance of continuously addressing the topic and the need to anchor corresponding offers in the long term. There was also plenty of informal socialising: pretzels, fruit and sweet snacks ensured a pleasant learning atmosphere - in keeping with the title of the event.

Workshops as a co-operation offer

"Snack dich schlau light" was organised by the Bocholt-Rhede-Isselburg Adult Education Centre in cooperation with the City of Bocholt's Integration Officer, Bruno Wansing, and the Committee for Equal Opportunities and Integration. Other partners were the Klausenhof Academy, the anti-discrimination centre and integration agency of the DRK in the Borken district and the Workers' Welfare Association. The workshops were led by Sara Jrab, Carmen Wessels, Stefanie Gebing-Menzen and Johann Dirks.